Labor Day -- the workers are few

Holidays will begin to fill the calendar as we approach the last quarter of the year. Labor Day is a celebration of the American work force and it was born out of conflict. The action taken by Congress was an attempt to relieve tensions between the government and organized labor. Many Americans look at Labor Day as an end to summer, but that is not the purpose of the holiday, it was designed as a means to recognize and celebrate the organized work force in America.
For those that have been employed by Labor Unions and who have worked for organizations where the employees were associated together through their employment or interest celebrating this weekend will be easy. There was a time where if you had a Union job you were set! In the big cities we think about automobile unions and labor organizations. Electricians and plumbers come to mind, not to mention steel workers, all playing big roles as members in such organizations. Here in the mountains of Kentucky, we think about the UMWA, United Mine Workers of America as a union we all recognize, but there are plenty to go around. Organizations range from teachers unions to individuals who are employed by either the state or federal government.
When I think about the word Labor I also think about things from a Biblical point of view. The Bible encourages labor….and there are great songs of the faith that also encourage us to “work for the day is coming”. There is also that New Testament scripture that lets us know that the harvest is ready, but the laborers are few. This scripture seems to be in a total contrast to the idea that there is a work force that is ready, willing, and up to the task of spiritual labor. When you consider that there are churches on what seems like every corner and normally when you find one, you will discover a band of churches all located in what appears to be a “hotbed” of spiritual activity, why are there few laborers?
Again, from the image of things it looks like we have it going on. We normally have great buildings. Normally they are brick buildings too, they we’re built for specific purpose and for use by the congregation it appears. We have gyms, worship centers, children’s areas and the list goes on. Churches today spend money on radio and television programs and when properly presented with a rightful cause congregations will give money to that purpose to demonstrate their support. All this sounds good doesn’t it, but on a spiritual labor side, things are not so good. Why build buildings that we only use one day a week or at best on a Wednesday and Sunday only. Why do we feel good about having buildings that are members can use but we seldom open them up to the community. Oh, no letters please, I know we don’t open things up to the community because it cost money to build such buildings and it takes money to maintain them too. Yes, I understand, I am just thinking that if we are not using such buildings to win individuals to the Kingdom of God, what good are they and wow, what a good job we have done to convince ourselves we have done and are doing the right thing. Remembering all along, the God’s word says the Harvest is ready, but the laborers are few!
This is Labor Day Weekend, and no doubt there will be many individuals who identify themselves as Christians who will be off to one place or another. For the record there is nothing wrong with Christians taking vacations, going on trips, and relaxing. The is nothing wrong with Christians enjoying themselves but there really is something wrong if we are not a part of the Labor and yet are expecting to be a part of the Harvest.
Our churches are filled with people who can make a difference if they would only be willing to step into the field of services. Our churches have individuals who have been touched by tragedy and have a story of faith to tell, if they would only speak up and share. Our congregations are filled with sinners who can relate to darkness and lost ways, if only we would see ourselves as part of His answer for a lost and dying world. This Labor Day, ask yourself the question what have you done to rest from your labors and then ask what must I do since the laborers are few and the Harvest is ready?

Until then